California Property Tax Calculator (Prop 13)
Use our free California property tax estimator to calculate ad valorem tax (1% base under Proposition 13) plus voter-approved rates and special assessments. View your annual and monthly costs instantly.
California Property Tax Estimator
Ad valorem under Prop 13 + specials
View breakdown
Based on California BOE Publication 29 — California Property Tax: An Overview (Mar 2025). Estimates only; check your county bill for exact amounts.
How to Use
Follow these three quick steps to estimate your property tax in California.
Enter Value
Use the assessed value on your bill (or purchase price if newly acquired).
Set the Rate
1% base + any voter-approved debt for your tax-rate area.
Add Specials
Parcel/Mello-Roos charges are added in dollars on top.
How California Property Tax is Calculated
California’s property tax system is based on Proposition 13. Since 1978, Prop 13 has capped the general property tax rate at 1% of a property’s assessed value, plus the share needed to pay for voter-approved debt (e.g., school bonds). Properties are reassessed when they change ownership or undergo new construction, and assessed values can grow by no more than 2% per year.
Your estimated tax is calculated as:
- Assessed Value (usually purchase price, then ≤ 2%/yr growth).
- − Exemptions (e.g., $7,000 Homeowner’s Exemption).
- = Taxable Value.
- × 1% base rate + any local voter-approved rates (your “ad valorem rate”).
- + Special Assessments (parcel taxes, Mello-Roos, etc.).
- = Total Annual Property Tax.
📄 Read the official background: California State Board of Equalization, Publication 29 (March 2025).
Download Publication 29 PDFCalifornia Property Tax FAQs
What is Prop 13’s base tax rate?
1% of assessed value, plus voter-approved debt.
How often can assessed value increase?
Generally no more than 2% per year until a change in ownership or new construction.
What is the Homeowner’s Exemption?
A $7,000 reduction to assessed value for primary residences.
Take the Next Step in Property Ownership
Knowing your property taxes is just the beginning. In Property Management Excellence, Coastline Equity CEO Anthony Luna shares the values-based framework that turns numbers into purpose—and properties into legacy.
Learn More